Henry Jenkins

The world is changing so much and so fast with all of the new media we have today. Convergence is happening right now as people use more technology today than ever before. Technology has given us many ways to listen and watch new media. We don't just have cell phones to make calls, but to text message and search the Internet. Instead of calling a friend and having a conversation, younger people are text messaging their friends. Instead of calling a teacher or a friend to ask a question, we e-mail them. With computers, game systems, and the Internet, people are having less direct communication one on one. People rarely go outdoors and enjoy the beauty of nature anymore. Video games are keeping us indoors at hours at a time. People don't have to leave their homes to go shopping, they can conveniently shop online on their personal computers. When the older generation were kids they would play outside, go to the park, climb trees, and roller skate to have fun. Today's younger generation are on myspace and facebook during their free time. The older generation is still getting used to all of the technology being created. Convergence of different culture is happening as people accept change and learn of various technology.

I can relate to "Photoshop for Democracy" in Convergence Culture because I voted in 2004. I don't know much about politics, but seeing famous people on Television talking about politics made me interested in voting. I became interested when I saw PDiddy on MTV, seeing his slogan "Vote or Die" everywhere. I do believe that in 2004 more younger people voted in the election than ever before. Your could turn on the TV and see presidential campaigns and go onto the Internet and see more. I do think if politics were taught at an earlier age people would be more into it and would be able to understand it.

ChillOne in "Spoiling Survivor" made it a game for everyone to find out which contestant would make it. The reality show "Survivor" was a big hit and that's why fans would post their comments on the Internet. The reality show was a hit because it was different than a regular scripted show. The contestants on the show were real, but still played different characters. Reality shows do not have scripts and have the camera on them 24/7. To ChillOne and everyone else who participated, spoiling was fun. The fans saw it as game to predict what would happen before everyone else watched the show.

American Idol is doing so well because the fans actually get to pick the winner. Fans actually get to decide who they think is the best singer. Normal people like you and I get to try out to be the next American Idol. Regular people actually get a chance at stardom. People began text messaging more than ever and for the first time. The media of American Idol brought people to use technology to vote. People could call or text their weekly votes for their favorite Idol.
The Matrix did not do so well because people did not understand it. It is hard to imagine how the future will be. It is hard for us to imagine living in a different world. It is still interesting and that's why people would discuss all the interpretations on the Internet. Many fan cites have been created because of Star Wars. People write parody's, but have to keep it PG since the movie was rated PG. Media today has made people interested and made them fans. People create video games of movies and shows. We are taking every advantage of media through technology.

I can relate to Jenkins "Why Heather Can Write," because Harry Potter is a great fiction book. I thought Harry Potter was fun and interesting. Heather has an imagination and can come up with different ideas about Harry Potter to write about. Harry Potter is an imaginative world that takes place at Hogwarts School of Wizardry. Heather created "The Daily Prophet" where reporters develop their reports about life at Hogwarts. The Daily Prophet is a good way for writers to imagine themselves in the story. For the people that wanted the book banned, they must take life too seriously. Harry Potter is fantasy and created in an imaginative world. Kids know fact from fiction. Being interested in Harry Potter does not mean you believe in witchcraft and go against your faith or church.

A wide variety of technology is being used today. It is only a matter of time that everyone including the older generation will be using it and liking it. People will understand different culture and appreciate it. Jenkins says, "Consumers will be more powerful within convergence culture-but only if they recognize and use that power as both consumers and citizens, as full participants in our culture."